Exhibits Technology Specialist

https:/www.scheurer.org/careers/; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

McWane Science Center is seeking a full-time Exhibit Technology Specialist to develop, integrate, and modernize the technology powering exhibits and guest experiences. The role acts as a technical resource for the Exhibits Department, translating concepts into reliable, maintainable systems.

The candidate will research, prototype, program, install, troubleshoot, document, and plan long-range modernization of electronic, audiovisual, and interactive exhibit systems.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent with electronics focus.
• 2+ years of related technical experience preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot electronic, electrical, computer-based, and electromechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, test, install, and improve exhibit technology and system upgrades.
• Design, integrate, maintain, and troubleshoot electronic and audiovisual systems.
• Collaborate with staff, vendors, and contractors to support guest experience and safety.

Skills

Electronics troubleshooting

Schematic reading

Electrical systems

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in electronics

Tools

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

Windows

Linux

Industrial controls

Job description

Come join our Exhibits team! The full-time Exhibit Technology Specialist is responsible for developing, integrating, modernizing and supporting the technology that powers McWane Science Center’s exhibits and interactive guest experiences. This position serves as a technical resource for the Exhibits Department, helping to turn exhibit concepts into reliable, maintainable and engaging systems.

The role includes research, prototyping, programming, installation, troubleshooting, documentation, preventive maintenance and long-range modernization of electronic, computer-based, audiovisual and interactive exhibit systems.

Accountabilities and Major Duties

• 1. Research, develop, test, install, and improve exhibit technology, interactive experiences, and system upgrades.
• 2. Assess aging exhibit systems and recommend modernization and replacement strategies.
• 3. Design, integrate, maintain, and troubleshoot electronic, computer-based, audiovisual, lighting, and control systems.
• 4. Collaborate with staff, vendors, and contractors to develop technology solutions that support guest experience, accessibility, educational, and operational goals.
• 5. Establish standards for reliability, maintainability, documentation, source-code management, and long-term sustainability.
• 6. Create and maintain technical documentation, including schematics, wiring diagrams, configurations, operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• 7. Provide advanced technical support and guidance for complex exhibit and technology issues.
• 8. Manage technology inventory and recommend equipment purchases, upgrades, spare parts, and replacement schedules.
• 9. Support budgeting, purchasing, installation, commissioning, maintenance, repairs, and long-range technology planning.
• 10. Comply with all applicable safety policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1. Associate degree in electronics, electrical technology, mechatronics, computer technology, industrial technology, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, experience, and demonstrated technical competency.
• 2. Two or more years of related technical experience preferred.
• 3. Ability to troubleshoot electronic, electrical, computer-based, and electromechanical systems using standard tools and diagnostic methods.
• 4. Working knowledge of electronics, computers, operating systems, peripherals, and hardware.
• 5. Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, technical drawings, and manufacturer documentation.
• 6. Ability to safely fabricate, install, modify, and repair electrical and electronic systems and components.
• 7. Strong research, documentation, communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• 8. Ability to work collaboratively with staff, contractors, vendors, and technical partners while adhering to safety requirements.
• 9. Valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• 10. Proof of minimum personal vehicle liability insurance as required by state law.

Preferred Technical Experience

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred. Expertise in every area is not required.
• Arduino, Raspberry Pi, programming, scripting, or embedded systems
• Digital and analog electronics, soldering, electronic fabrication, PCB design, or component-level troubleshooting
• Sensors, relays, motors, solenoids, PLCs, industrial controls, or other electromechanical systems
• Windows, Linux, networking, databases, legacy hardware, or asset management systems
• Audio/video systems, digital signage, projection, display technologies, lighting, or lighting-control systems

Minimum Physical Qualifications

1. Perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
2. Climb ladders and stairs in performing the work.
3. Walk for considerable distances in performing the work.
4. Pull or push objects on a regular basis (75 lbs.).
5. Carry objects on a regular basis in the arms or on the shoulders (25 lbs.).
6. Grasp objects utilizing the fingers.
7. Reach for objects above the head or below the waist.
8. Stoop or crouch by bending at the waist or by bending legs.
9. Color determination.
10. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more with or without corrective lenses.
11. Normal range auditory acuity.
12. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance; 403(b) retirement savings plan including company match; paid time off; FREE membership and IMAX Theater screenings; discounts in our gift shop, camp program, IMAX theater and food service; and on-site parking.

McWane Science Center is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.